“Keys To Success” Graduation Party Decor

Our final table display for the Anthropologie-inspired “keys to success” graduation partyis totally “themed-out” and reinforces our idea more than any. I set up a “Keys to Success” guest table where they could write notes to the graduate, and pick up party favors. It all comes together with the addition of a Key display that’s framed and placed prominently. You can see the coordinating seated table and dessert table here.

Remember, auxiliary tables like this are a place where all guests will gather at some point so it’s important to make sure it matches the rest of the decorated space. This might be set up near the entrance/exit of the party, or off to the side where there’s plenty of room to move about. This was a lot of fun to create and there are a lot of little DIY details.

Get the Look:

When I first came up with the concept of “keys to success” I knew I wanted to do some sort of display using all those antique-style keys I’ve been collecting. I decided on a display of words that describe successful business leaders, and created a framed board filled with decorative knobs, locks, and hanging keys. The board was made by cutting foam core to fit the frame, covering the foam core with craft paper, then pushing the knobs through {with a screw driver} and securing them. The knobs are a collection of some I already had and some new ones from Hobby Lobby. DOWNLOAD THE GOLD “KEYS TO SUCCESS” BANNER HERE.

Guests can write notes to the graduate sharing their own keys to success. Notes are placed in a small “drawer” that’s been jazzed up with a metal frame/bookplate and a decorative drawer pull. Gold scrapbook paper is fitted to finish off the look.

Favors are housed in a small garden tote box that has yet another metal frame attached to the front {using Glue Dots}.

The favors themselves are placed inside of brown glassine envelopes, and dressed up with a ‘thank you’ tag. See the DIY favor bag instructions here.

I hope you’ve been inspired by my Keys To Success graduation partyshoot. The entire party is pulled together using recurring elements like small metal frames, antique-style keys, flower arrangements, patterned fabric, and printed pennants. With a few DIY details you can add style to any celebration!

About Chris

Chris Nease is a party stylist and home entertaining expert with over 15 years of experience. In addition to her work as founding editor of Celebrations At Home, Chris is an editorial stylist and has contributed to Homes.com, SheKnows, and countless other websites. Most recently she was featured in Celebrate magazine, and her work has been published in Woman's World, Ocala Style, Yum Food & Fun for Kids, and Cottages & Bungalows.

Thank you Angela. I actually collected mine over a couple of years, from Michael’s for $1 each {in the dollar aisle}. I was just there a few days ago and found a packet of 6 for $4 in the scrapbook section {where they have lots of metal embellishments}. Hope that helps.
BTW, you can also do a search online for “vintage style keys” and find some retailers. Good luck!

Chris–trying to recreate! HELP! can you email me with details of small sign, banner, and tag ideas???
Any help would be appreciated!!! would like to know what font too!!
Thanks for your wonderful ideas that you so willingly share!! You are awesome!

Hi Kim, the “keys to success” banner can be downloaded via the link in the post. The sign was made using an old site that isn’t available anymore, but I use PicMonkey for all the same projects – they just have different fonts now.

JUST LOVE YOUR IDEAS. I’M DOING A COLLEGE GRAUATION PARTY FOR MY GRANDDAUGHTER, SHE LOST BOTH HER PARENTS & I’D LIKE TO IT REALLY NICE & DIFFERENT. THIS IS HER STYLE, THE ONLY REAL QUESTION I HAVE IS, “WHAT SIZE IS THE FRAME HOLDING THE KEYS & KNOBS”.

Hi Terri,
I don’t. That was made on an old site that doesn’t exist anymore. You cold make something similar using PicMonkey.com.

Subscribe for Email Updates

Enter your email address...

The most important thing about parties & entertaining is the guest list! Next, it should be delicious, beautiful, unique, and fun. Calling on my years of experience, I'll show you how to pull it all together with style. Cheers!

Chris Nease is a party stylist and home entertaining expert with over 15 years of experience. In addition to her work as founding editor of Celebrations At Home, Chris is an editorial stylist and has contributed to Homes.com, SheKnows, and countless other websites. Most recently she was featured in Celebrate magazine, and her work has been published in Woman's World, Ocala Style, Yum Food & Fun for Kids, and Cottages & Bungalows.